An east Belfast student who ‘swam against the tide’ by opting against university education has seen her judgement vindicated by a nomination for prestigious national apprenticeship award.
And Connie Foley, 19, shortlisted for Public Sector Apprentice of the Year in the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards, taking place on Wednesday next, March 26, says apprenticeships should be better promoted in second-level schools.
“Apprenticeships are a wonderful alternative to university, because they provide students with an option which does not involve long-term debt,” said Connie, who is in her second year of the two-year Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Higher-Level Apprenticeship Level 5.
“I went against the trend of everybody going to university and the nomination allows me advocate for apprenticeships. I honestly could not see myself doing anything else, but I had to find out about the programme outside of school.”
The highly respected Accounting Technicians Ireland Higher-Level Apprenticeship Level 5 created 170 jobs in Northern Ireland last year. Fees are covered by the Department for the Economy.
It allows students work, earn and learn. Graduates qualify as accounting technicians and can gain exam exemptions if they wish to move on to become fully qualified accountants.
Connie works four days a week at the Northern Ireland Audit Office as part of the funded, work-based learning programme, which sees locally placed apprentices earn at least the national living wage and above.
She attends Belfast Metropolitan College one day a week.
“For me, choosing the Accounting Technicians Ireland Higher-Level Apprenticeship Level 5 was a no brainer. Now, I earn while I learn and save for my future instead of racking up debt.
“And I have really enjoyed hands on learning and using knowledge gained in the classroom in my workplace on a daily basis.
“Balancing work with study is crucial, but you do not need any prior experience of accounting to sign up. I have learned critical workplace skills and can go on to study to become a fully qualified accountant.
“I would definitely recommend the Accounting Technicians Ireland Higher-Level Apprenticeship Level 5 and it should be better promoted at second level.”
Applications are now open for the Accounting Technicians Ireland Higher-Level Apprenticeship, which is delivered through regional colleges across Northern Ireland.
It is open to school leavers, A-level students, career-changers and mature learners alike.
The Accounting Technicians Ireland Higher-Level Apprenticeship provides an alternative for school leavers who prefer practical training to full-time college, or those who may have embarked on a university course and found it did not suit them.
It is also an attractive option for existing employees and mature learners who want to pursue accounting.
Large firms and smaller practices, as well as industry and the public sector, have all embraced the programme.
According to Gillian Doherty, Chief Operations Officer at ATI, the Apprenticeship enables employers to recruit and upskill staff in a cost-effective manner.
“Apprentices bring the employer new talent and skills which can support the business now and in the future,” she said.
“Accounting Technicians Ireland is pleased our apprenticeship contributes towards job creation and business growth in Northern Ireland.
“Since the programme’s foundation in 2014, the Higher-Level Apprenticeship Accounting Technicians Level 5 has been the source of over 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland.
“This year we had 40 new employers engage and we now partner with over 200 employers across 27 sectors.”
Louise Moss of the Northern Ireland Audit Office said the programme is a win-win for the employer and the apprentice.
“Apprentices gain valuable knowledge during their studies and hands-on experience. This benefits both the employer and the apprentice.”
For more details, see accountingtechniciansireland.ie